TRIBUTES were paid to former TD Peadar Clohessy, a founder of the Progressive Democrats, who died yesterday.

The former Limerick East TD died at Milford Hospice after a long illness.

He was first elected to the Dail as a Fianna Fail candidate in 1981, but lost his seat in the first of the two general elections in 1982.

Mr Clohessy, who was 79, went on to help found the Progressive Democrats party.

He was one of the 14 TDs to win Dail seats for the new party in the 1987 General Election. He was one of just six PD politicians to retain their Dail seats in the 1989 General Election when the Progressive Democrats formed an historic coalition withe Fianna Fail.

He continued as a TD until his retirement from national politics in 1997.

Mr Clohessy, of Fanningstown, Crecora, Limerick, had previously worked as a framer. His is survived by his sons Andrew, Patrick and Michael, and daughters Alice, Margaret and Sinead. His wife Jean pre-deceased him.

Councillor Bridget Teefy, who was the PD's director of elections in Limerick East for the poll of 1987, said Mr Clohessy "gave huge commitment to the people of Limerick. He was a wonderful man to work with, always good humoured.''

Mr Clohessy's remains will be reposing at Cross's Funeral Home, Ballyneety, Co Limerick, this evening from 5pm until removal to Fedamore Church at 8pm. Requiem Mass tomorrow will be at noon, followed by burial in New Cemetery, Fedamore.